IX Engineer Command

Build ... Defend ... Maintain

1st Sgt Ernest Norris

Unfortunately Sgt Norris passed away on October 6, 2004 but this is an extract from his obituary.

Ernest "Buel" Norris

Mr. Norris died Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004, at Tut-Fann Veterans
Home. He was born June 26, 1913, in Cullman to Walter and Minnie
Barnett Norris. Mr. Norris was a faithful member and long-time
deacon of Center Grove Baptist Church. He served two terms in the
United States Army, having re-enlisted when he thought his
services would be needed. As a member of the Ninth Air Force
Aviation Engineer Battalion [819th EAB],
1st Sgt. Norris, along with others
in his unit, was awarded the Presidential Distinguished Unit
Citation for constructing an emergency landing strip while under
fire on the Normandy Beachhead. The unit proceeded on their
mission in spite of the obstacles and dangers and worked on the
strip while under continuous enemy fire, at one point working
within 200 yards of active enemy artillery emplacements. The
strip was completed by sundown on D-Day and the detachment pushed
forward behind the advancing invading troops and began work on a
field farther inland. After D-Day, 1st Sgt. Norris' battalion
worked with other units for the 9th Engineer Command in
constructing more than 100 airdromes for the air campaign in
France. During his two terms of service he served his country in
several locations in Europe and the United States. Following his
military service, Mr. Norris worked for U.S. Pipe, from which he
retired after 30 years. He was an electrician in the building
industry.